Steven Pearl Set to Debut as Auburn Head Coach Against Bethune-Cookman

AUBURN, Ala. – Steven Pearl will make his debut as Auburn’s head basketball coach Monday at 7 p.m. CT when the No. 20 Tigers host Bethune-Cookman at Neville Arena. Pearl, who has been a part of the program for 11 seasons, helped the Tigers win five SEC championships and reach the Final Four twice.

“I’m excited that we have 10 new guys that get to play in front of The Jungle and in front of the Auburn family,” Pearl said. “I know they’ve been really looking forward to it. We’ve had great support in our first two exhibitions.” The Tigers excelled in their preseason games, scoring 95 points against Oklahoma State and 100 points against Memphis.

According to Pearl, the opening game will be a challenge. “Excited about the challenge, excited to play in front of our home crowd and looking forward to building off what we were able to see (in Thursday’s exhibition 100-71 win over Memphis),” he said.

Pearl is also adjusting to his new pregame routine. He noted that his father’s pre-game schedule was more rushed. “It’s not as busy. It’s a little more bullet point and I speak on those things, but it takes me 10 minutes to put that together at the hotel,” Pearl explained. “BP would use that time to put together the board. He was always visiting with people.”

Former NBA player Reggie Theus coaches the visiting team Bethune-Cookman, which Pearl described as having a talented roster that includes a McDonald’s All-American.

The SEC Network+ will broadcast the game, with Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey calling the action on the Auburn Sports Network.